digit

1. <zoology> One of the terminal divisions of a limb appendage; a finger or toe. "The ruminants have the "cloven foot," i. E, two hoofed digits on each foot." (Owen)

2. A finger's breadth, commonly estimated to be three fourths of an inch.

3. <mathematics> One of the ten figures or symbols, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, by which all numbers are expressed; so called because of the use of the fingers in counting and computing.

By some authorities the symbol 0 is not included with the digits.

4. <anatomy> One twelfth part of the diameter of the sun or moon; a term used to express the quantity of an eclipse; as, an eclipse of eight digits is one which hides two thirds of the diameter of the disk.

Origin: L. Digitus finger; prob. Akin to Gr, of uncertain origin; possibly akin to E. Toe. Cf. Dactyl.

Source: Websters Dictionary

(01 Mar 1998)


Terms mentioned in text: zoology, terminal, divisions, limb, appendage, finger, toe, ruminants, foot, inch, mathematics, figures, symbols, numbers, use, fingers, symbol, included, anatomy, part, diameter, sun, moon, term, express, quantity, eclipse, hides, thirds, disk
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